American Enterprise Institute

RIGHT BIAS

These media sources are moderately to strongly biased toward conservative causes through story selection and/or political affiliation. They may utilize strong loaded words (wording that attempts to influence an audience by using appeal to emotion or stereotypes), publish misleading reports and omit reporting of information that may damage conservative causes. Some sources in this category may be untrustworthy. See all Right Bias sources.

Founded in 1938, The American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research, known simply as the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), is a Washington, D.C.-based conservative think tank that researches government, politics, economics, and social welfare. The current President of AEI is Arthur C. Brooks.

According to their about page: “The American Enterprise Institute is a public policy think tank dedicated to defending human dignity, expanding human potential, and building a freer and safer world. The work of our scholars and staff advances ideas rooted in our belief in democracy, free enterprise, American strength and global leadership, solidarity with those at the periphery of our society, and a pluralistic, entrepreneurial culture.”

Funded by / Ownership

The American Enterprise Institute is a think tank funded through donations from individuals, corporations and foundations. According to Sourcewatch, they are funded by many corporations connected to the fossil fuel industry.

Analysis / Bias

According to Open Secrets AEI almost exclusively supports Republican candidates through donations.

In review, AEI is closely associated with conservatism and neoconservatism, although it claims to be non-partisan. Policy wise they advocate for lower taxes, fewer protections for consumers and the environment, and cuts to the social safety net. In articles they use minimally loaded words and generally source properly. However, there is moderate use of loaded words especially when discussing climate change: The climate empire strikes out: The perils of policy analysis in an echo chamber. While the American Enterprise Institute does not deny climate change is occurring, they frequently downplay human involvement and reject the consensus of climate scientists in favor of further deregulation of emission standards.

Overall, we rate American Enterprise Institute Right Biased based on political policy that is inline with Republicans and Mixed for factual reporting based on minimizing scientific consensus regarding climate change. (7/18/2016) Updated (D. Van Zandt 11/2/2018)